It is easy to be cynical about politics. We often hear that politicians are all crooks and thieves trying to rob you of your hard-earned money.

The truth is, most of us aren’t a whole lot different than you or your neighbours. Some of us were teachers or nurses, others were contractors or small-business owners. Many of us got involved with one goal in mind: to find ways to make Calgary better.

On Dec. 14, Calgary city council approved a full funding commitment for the Green Line LRT. By dedicating $52 million annually for 30 years, we have taken a large step toward providing safe and reliable rapid public transit to areas of the city that have been neglected for decades.

As the Calgary Herald Editorial Board stated Dec. 12: here is a plan that will actually see the city putting its money where its mouth is.

The Green Line is an extraordinary project, which requires a diverse group of players working toward the same goal. The folks that have made possible the progress on the Green Line LRT deserve thanks.

MPs Jason Kenney and Michelle Rempel: Without their support and vision, the federal government likely would not have made its commitment to the Green Line. The announcement by Ottawa in the summer of 2015 to fund one-third of the project up to $1.53 billion will go down as a defining moment for this project.

The City of Calgary team: The detailed planning and public engagement they have done on this project has been top notch.

TheLRT on the Green Foundation: Jeff Binks and his team have been advocating on behalf of residents and community groups along the Green Line corridor. LRT on the Green is showing that public support for a project can go a long way to delivering the infrastructure projects that Calgarians want.

My councilcolleagues: The vote to secure the city’s funding passed 10-4, which sends a pretty strong message that council appreciates the urgency to begin constructing the Green Line as soon as possible.

Calgary Members of the NDP Caucus: Over the past number of months, many of you have sat down with me to discuss how the provincial government could fund the Green Line. We discussed a pain free and effective funding model that would see the province shave its property tax increases annually to contribute to its one-third of the funding. I am confident that cabinet will be just as enthusiastic about this project as the Calgary caucus has been.

Calgarians: One thing is evident from my conversations with residents and businesses from all over Calgary about the Green Line; Calgarians are daring to dream big with this project. A recent survey showed 85 per cent of Calgarians support this project and want to see it move forward. Thank you for providing council with the public will required to take this project to the next level.

There is still much heavy lifting to go before this project is done. The best way for us to do that is by working together. 2015 was a year of great progress on the Green Line, and I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store!

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